Traditional braces work, but they're not the only option anymore — clear aligners move teeth just as effectively for most cases. Smile Center Dentistry maps your full treatment plan digitally before your first tray ships.
A generic aligner kit ordered online skips the exam that catches problems a mail-order company can't see. A dentist who has actually examined your mouth in person makes a different plan than an algorithm alone would.
Every case is checked for cavities and gum disease first, since aligners can worsen untreated issues. We see you in the chair, not just through an app, before any plan is finalized.
The digital scan means no messy impression trays and a simulation you can actually watch move. We revisit the simulation at check-ins to confirm your teeth are tracking as planned.
Small tooth-colored attachments and interproximal reduction are planned precisely, not applied as an afterthought. IPR amounts are calculated conservatively and never exceed what's actually needed for movement.
Mid-treatment check-ins catch tracking issues early, before they become a bigger correction. We'd rather catch a tracking issue at week six than let it compound for months.
Not every misalignment needs the same aligner protocol — here's what we offer after your scan.
An intraoral scanner captures your bite in minutes, no impression putty required. We review the scan with you chairside, not in a follow-up email.
We adjust the digital plan based on your exam findings, not a template applied to every patient. Expect a plan that accounts for your actual bite, not just crowding.
Small bonded attachments give aligners grip on certain teeth for more precise movement. We only use what your specific case actually needs.
Refinements are a normal part of aligner treatment for many patients, not a sign something went wrong. These are included in your treatment plan, not billed as a surprise extra.
Once trays finish, a custom retainer holds your result — skipping this step is how relapse happens. Nighttime wear schedules are explained clearly, not left to guesswork.
Aligners work well for many teens and adults, but eligibility depends on which permanent teeth have erupted and your specific bite. If aligners aren't the right fit, we'll say so and discuss alternatives.
Call +1-866-227-2801 to schedule your digital scan and initial exam in Oakdale.
You'll see your scan on screen and discuss what treatment could realistically achieve.
We walk through your simulated result tray by tray before you commit to treatment.
Regular progress checks catch tracking issues early, keeping your timeline accurate.
"Tried a mail-order aligner company first and it didn't check my gums at all. Switched here and they caught early gum recession before starting."
"Attachments were explained clearly before they bonded them on, which I appreciated after reading horror stories online."
"18 months in trays and the retainer fitting afterward was just as thorough as the treatment itself."
"Digital scan took ten minutes, no gagging on impression goop like my last dentist."
"Screened me honestly and told me my case had some complexity that a mail-order kit would've missed entirely."
Most cases run 6 to 18 months depending on complexity — we give you a specific estimate after your scan. A realistic estimate upfront beats an optimistic one that slips later.
Aligners handle a wide range of cases well, but not every case; your exam determines eligibility. We'd rather refer you to an orthodontist for a complex case than force it into aligners.
Some cases need small bonded attachments for precise movement, others don't — it depends on which teeth need to move and how. Attachments are small and tooth-colored, designed to be as unnoticeable as possible.
Don't skip ahead to the next tray — call first so we can assess whether that's safe for your case. We keep your case file on hand so a replacement order is quick, not a delay.
Cost depends on case complexity and number of trays needed — we quote a specific range after your scan and exam. Financing options are available if the full amount upfront doesn't fit your budget.
We fit your retainer before your last tray is done, so there's no gap where teeth could relapse. Nighttime wear is usually sufficient long-term, and we explain the schedule clearly.
Our aligner program serves Oakdale and the surrounding zip codes, so nearby residents get dentist-supervised care close to home. Progress check appointments are scheduled locally too, so you're not traveling far throughout treatment.
Licensed, scan-equipped, and local to Oakdale — call and find out if you qualify.
Call +1-866-227-2801